Backstage Rumor on CM Punk Recording Controversial Interview Ahead of AEW Return

– CM Punk has not even returned to AEW yet, and his latest comeback is already creating controversy and buzz online. Earlier today, a rumor surfaced by way of Wade Keller on his latest audio show on PWTorch.com (via WrestlingNews.co), noting that a media story was expected to drop later today regarding AEW and CM Punk that “not gonna help matters.” For some context, Keller stated the following:

“I am under the impression between now and Saturday, there’s going to be something that comes out that media wise that is not gonna help matters, probably. I don’t mean to be cryptic but I haven’t heard the details or seen enough to say much but yea, I just don’t know. I just think it’s gonna be one of those weeks, I’ll put it that way…From what I’m hearing behind the scenes in AEW, it’s just gonna be one of those weeks.”

Per Fightful Select, it’s believed that the story Keller is referring to is an interview with CM Punk by Marc Raimondi for ESPN. The interview is expected to drop soon, and it will feature Punk answer a number of questions on multiple topics. Those topics include The Elite (The Young Bucks and Kenny Omega), and word on the interview reportedly made its way to the locker room at last night’s AEW Dynamite.

According to Fightful, word on Punk’s ESPN interview did not go over well based on secondhand reports of what was allegedly said by Punk. Punk’s comments reportedly pertain to “his version of what is true.” Additionally, AEW reportedly set up Punk’s interview with Raimondi and monitored it, but Punk is rumored to have spoken in a way that would apparently “blur the lines” between wrestling storyline and reality. Fightful also mentions that Punk spoke this way to “create buzz for upcoming shows,” supposedly answering questions in a manner that would make the audience question if he was building up a storyline or shooting from the hip.

Fightful reports that Hangman Page was intentionally brought up in the interview in a way that was in no way confusing from the perspective of a “work-shoot,” and Punk reportedly made it clear during the process that he does not like Hangman Page. Punk also stated that there were spots during their title match at AEW Double or Nothing 2022 where Punk “felt” that Page was “shooting” on him by intentionally chopping him in the face. Hangman Page garnered heat from Punk after allegedly going into business for himself during a May 2022 promo segment with Punk, where Hangman Page brought up Punk’s past comments about workers’ rights.

Later in August 2022, Punk cut a promo on Dynamite, allegedly shooting on Hangman. Punk called out Hangman Page during a promo. After Page did not appear, Punk stated, “That’s not cowboy s***. That’s coward s***.” He also added, “A little bit of advice that I suggest you take. The apology must be as loud and as public as the disrespect.”

As previously reported, an AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door II match between Punk and NJPW star KENTA was discussed. Fightful’s latest updated states that at one point the match was the planned direction for Forbidden Door. However, it’s rumored that Punk was not “thrilled” by the idea of working with KENTA at the event, and that Punk “may come across badly in an interview,” referring to the ESPN piece.

KENTA himself has referenced the reports of a rumored matchup with Punk online, noting he wouldn’t take the matchup unless Tony Khan gives him “the bag,” referring to a huge payday. As of now, no matchup between Punk and KENTA has been announced for the pay-per-view event. Both KENTA and Punk use the Go 2 Sleep as their finishing maneuver.

Fightful noted that it’s unknown what what will ultimately appear in ESPN’s interview piece. It was reportedly conducted last week. Additionally, Punk was said to have been aware that the interview and his comments would come off as “polarizing.” Fightful also reports that ahead of his return, Punk was sent documents meant to protect AEW, including disparagement agreements.

CM Punk will ultimately make his return to the company on Saturday, June 17 on the debut episode of AEW Collision. The event is being held at the United Center in Punk’s hometown of Chicago. In the main event, he will team with FTR against Samoa Joe, Juice Robinson, and Jay White.